Attila-Calcinosis cutis, starting treatment w/ Lysodren..(Attila has passed on)

Nah, I wouldn't have the ACTH done either. If your boy was still showing signs his cortisol might be too low, then by all means have one but he isn't so don't waste the money nor put him through unnecessary stress. Tell your vet she hasn't been "negligent" and you have chosen to pass. :D

Thank You oh Wise Ones! I will take your advice on not doing the ACTH test right now if you don't think any indication of a serious cortisol drop will show at this point (reaction happened early Saturday morning). I think the negligence was in my vet office not contacting my prescribing vet on time. Amazing that these decisions about Attila keep me up at night - but apparently you have all been through it...again, thank you for your guidance and support. Laura & Attila (the Hun)

:D:D:D No problem. Yes we have been there and seen that so many times it is pathetic. Keep us posted. Kim

I'm a bit late to the party, but welcome to the forums. As you have already found out these folks are PAWSOME.
Angela

We are back on here and under the care of a new doctor who specializes in Cushings Disease and is currently doing research on alternative treatments. Attila had a suppression test to determine whether pituitary or adrenal tumor that came up inconclusive, so he is having an ultrasound on Monday. I will report all info once I get it. In the meantime, I have not had a thorough sleep in several weeks since Attila scratches at my door to get water at least 3 times a night. He uses the pee pads well, but I also let him outside anyway and he goes again. I just bought an H2O self feeder so that he can drink whenever he wants, but I dont know if this is a good idea since I have heard dogs are not good at self monitoring. He seems to be able to take breaks from drinking today (I am testing it today). I know many of you are no longer dealing with the symptoms of extreme thirst & peeing, but if you have any suggestions so that I can sleep, please let me know. Also, if any of you like a mineral supplement during this time, I'd appreciate those suggestions. Thank You

When a dog has or is suspected of having Cushing's retricting water can be detrimental. With Cushing's the increased amounts of cortisol make the kidneys work harder thus the dog pees more often and the dog HAS to drink more water to keep up with kidneys. :eek:

Giving Attila free access to water and then providing him with pee pads will hopefully curb him from keeping you awake.

Hugs, Lori

Hi Laura,
I think this is the first time I posted to your thread, so welcome from me too.:)

I totally understand the drinking and peeing thing. My Cush boy never used Pee pads before and was not about to start, no matter how hard I tried. He would hold it until he burst something before he would actually have an accident in the house. He could no longer get out his doggie door due his rear leg weakness. That made the potty issue a huge problem when I worked. Yes, it is a challenge, but please resist the urge to take Attila's water away. Cush pups need access to water 24/7. That could means getting up and pottying at all hours of the night. Do you have anyone who could take a shift or two, so you could get a better night's sleep? It normally get significantly better once the cortisol levels are controlled.

Dear Lori & Kathy- Thank you so much for clarifying that!!! My husband was pushing the advice of one doctor to cut off water at 8PM, and I believed the other doctor who said he needed consistent H2O access. I will keep the self - drinker and maybe I'll get some sleep. (of course Attila loved the fact that I have been at his beck and call). As long as there are pee pads out, Attila will use them, although we'll see how flooded our bathroom is. I seem to be the only one who hears him at night, so unfortunately, my husband is of no help for shifts.

Wow - good thing you asked. The doc that said to withhold water after 8 pm is not who I would go to for cushing's help. The other one is the one I'd put my faith in. Seriously. Kim

UPDATE: Hello Everyone who has been so helpful in checking in on this thread! Attila was tested and had an ultrasound which showed that Attila does not have an adrenal tumor. I found a vet who studies Cushings, Dr, Bruyette at VCA.(unfortunately, Attila did not qualify for his present study) Attila started Trilostane on Sunday October 12th. and got his ACTH Stim test this Monday the 20th. The levels indicate that his Cushings is under control so far. Yay! I requested all the results as everyone suggested so that I can track everything. He is drinking less, still very hungry, and still using the pee pads at night, but he has his old skip in his step, and he is trusting his hind legs more. I am very optimistic and will have him tested again in a month. I will keep reading this forum so that I'm as educated as possible, and maybe I'll eventually be able to help someone else. I especially want to find other ways to support aspects of his health that this disease may have compromised. I want to thank you all for being there when I needed the clear information and support.